American children consume dangerous amounts of sugar and salt every year in conjunction with not eating recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Based on a study by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, the current American diet, lacks core nutrients and contributes to overweight children who develop diseases similar to those found in middle-aged adults.

The findings won’t surprise most, but it is a disturbing trend that scientist claim is setting children up for an early onset of heart disease.

The study collected vital records nationwide from 8,900 boys and girls between ages 2 to 11. The results showed that none of the 8,900 children had a healthy diet. Scientist also discovered the vast majority of children were on a collision course with deadly medical conditions, like; heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

“It seems that children in the United States are losing their ideal cardiovascular health status,” said lead researcher, Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones.

According to Marcio Alaor BMG, less than 1 percent of the children had a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and minimal amounts of sugar and salt. Over 30 percent of the children were clinically obese.

Unrelated studies has demonstrated that heart disease can develop at an early age, with clogged and blocked arteries occurring in some children at the age of 3. Ultrasound analysis of minors as young as 10 revealed some children have clogged arteries similar to 40 year old adults.

In this study, researchers identified the best method for children to minimize the risk of developing heart disease – they recommend more consumption of fruits, vegetables and water. Researchers claim young people who consume high amounts of fruits and vegetables during their 20s – had a 40 percent less chance of developing blocked arteries in their 30s and 40s. The study also revealed that eliminating meat from the diet and reducing saturated fats can lower the risk of developing a stroke or heart disease, drastically.